I. Hidden gifts
Having ADHD confers some distinct advantages. First, lets do away with the myth of the attention-deficit. The name of this condition is a misnomer. It’s not that we can’t pay attention, quite the contrary. We have super, laser-like focus and attention. The problem is that the cost of entry is very high to engage that focus.
I explain it to my private practice clients like this. Everyone has a “goldilocks” zone of stimulation. When the environment stimulation is in this zone then we feel comfortable. For neurotypical people, the world generally puts us in this comfort zone. However, for those of us wired for ADHD, our need for stimulation is very high…much higher than the norm. Most of the time the world is not giving us what we need. We are under-stimulated. So, our brains seek out stimulation to make us feel normal. So, we seem distracted because we are constantly going “whats that! What’s that! What’s that!” seeking normalcy. Our existence is one long battle with extreme boredom. However, when our need for stimulation is met, then our focus kicks in…and it is much stronger than that of mere mortals. When I’m doing something that stimulates me and I get in the zone….I lose track of time. I can get more done in a couple of hours than most people do all day! The problem is that it can be difficult to access that focus when others expect that of us.
Other good things that come with ADHD:
- Creativity
- Energy
- Sociability
- Independence
- Fun
- Quick thinker
- Decisiveness
- Passionate
So, ADHD shouldn’t be considered a disorder. It’s a rough descriptor of neurology. We don’t pathologize shorter than average people. We don’t say they’re broken. We give them access to stools to reach the top shelf. Whether or not you need meds. No matter what behavioral/organizational strategies you need to get through the day…these are simply “stools”…tools to help us adapt.
If you would like to schedule a free consultation, please call 484-693-0582 or press the “schedule appointment” button to the right.
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